Method for conducting a guided sinus lift procedure

Abstract

A method of conducting a sinus lift procedure is provided. A secure and physical interaction is formed between a fiducial device and a site within a patient's mouth to form a fiducial marker. A virtual incising plan is formed for incising the patient's maxilla, with respect to the fiducial marker, for providing access to a sinus membrane. Movement of an incising device is physically regulated with respect to the fiducial marker with a guidance device. The incising device is in physical communication with the fiducial marker via the fiducial device. The guidance device physically regulates movement of the incising device, according to the virtual incising plan and corresponding with physical manipulation of the incising device by a user, to incise the maxilla. Tactile feedback is provided to the user, via the incising device, if the physical manipulation of the incising device by the user deviates from the virtual incising plan.

That which is claimed: 
     
       1. A method of conducting a sinus lift procedure, comprising:
 forming a secure and physical interaction between a fiducial device and a site within a mouth of a patient to form a fiducial marker; 
 forming a virtual incising plan for incising a side portion of a maxilla of the patient, in registration with and with respect to the fiducial marker, for providing access to a sinus membrane through the side portion of the maxilla, the side portion of the maxilla being adjacent to a bottom portion of the maxilla in which a dental implant is implanted; 
 incising the portion of the maxilla using an incising device, without using a physical guide engaged with the maxilla of the patient, the incising device having movement thereof physically regulated, with respect to the fiducial marker, by a guidance device operably engaged with the incising device, the incising device being in physical communication with the fiducial marker via the guidance device, the guidance device being configured to physically regulate movement of the incising device, in accordance with the virtual incising plan and in correspondence with physical manipulation of the incising device by a user; and 
 providing tactile feedback to the user, via the incising device, if the physical manipulation of the incising device by the user deviates from the virtual incising plan. 
 
     
     
       2. A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising imaging the maxilla with respect to the fiducial marker to facilitate registration of the virtual incising plan therewith. 
     
     
       3. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein providing tactile feedback further comprises allowing movement of the incising device in accordance with the virtual incising plan and physically preventing movement of the incising device deviating from the virtual incising plan. 
     
     
       4. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein providing tactile feedback further comprises vibrating the incising device if movement of the incising device deviates from the virtual incising plan. 
     
     
       5. A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising engaging the guidance device with the fiducial device such that the guidance device is physically related with the fiducial marker. 
     
     
       6. A method according to  claim 1  wherein physically regulating movement of the incising device further comprises physically regulating movement of the incising device via an arm member physically engaged between the incising device and the fiducial device, the arm member being responsive to the guidance device to guide the physical manipulation of the incising device by the user according to the virtual incising plan.